My father kept seven telegrams from the war years. Collectively they tell the story of his war experiences. They provide a chronology of the critical moments in his life as a soldier of the 2/19th battalion, AIF. The original envelopes were also kept and they are reproduced as an indicator of life on the home front.

January 31st 1942

This telegram informs Francis Xavier Larkin Snr’s family that he has been reported missing.

February 3rd 1943

This telegram informs Francis Xavier Larkin Snr’s family that he is now reported as a prisoner of war.

February 4th 1943

This telegram was sent by Frank’s brother Bill to his family in Wollongong. The telegram was sent from Newcastle, NSW.

September 25th 1945

This telegram reports that Francis Xavier Larkin Snr has been reported liberated in Japan on the 13th September, 1945.

September 29th 1945

This telegram advises that Frank is now in Manila, receiving medical attention and recovering from his ordeal.

October 2nd 1945

A telegram from Frank inofrming his family that he has arrived in Manila and that he is safe and well.

October 13th 1945

A telegram from the Army to Frank’s family advising that he will be arriving at Ingleburn Army Camp on the 15th October.

Warnings to the general public on the envelopes

The front and reverse of a telegram envelope. The messages from the government to the people provide an insight into life in Australia during wartime.

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Two advertisements from the Postmaster General that appeared on the reverse of the actual telegrams.